The Oki Islands, The Exile of Emperor Go-Toba by Samurai: A Political Drama in Medieval Japan
A 50-minute flight from Itami Airport in Osaka, the Oki isolated Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a UNESCO World Geopark, are blessed with abundant nature. Since ancient times, the islands have been called the "Islands of the Deities." Japan's oldest books, Kojiki and Nihonshoki, describe the creation of the Oki Islands by two deities, Izanagi and […]
Yoshimizu & Yoshino Jingu Shrines: Tracing Emperor Go-Daigo and the Story of the Southern Court
Discover Yoshimizu Shrine and Yoshino Jingu in Nara where the story of Emperor Go-Daigo, the Kenmu Restoration, and the Southern Court unfolded amid Japan’s most famous cherry blossom landscape.
Onbashira Festival: Suwa Taisha’s Sacred Land and Jomon Spirit
Discover the Onbashira Festival at Suwa Taisha, where Jomon spirit, sacred landscape, and ancient rituals reveal deep connections between nature, belief, and Japanese origins.
Izumo Taisha and Ancient Izumo's Lost Power: Myths, Archaeology, and Japan’s Sacred Origins
Explore Izumo Taisha and ancient Izumo through myth and archaeology—from Kuniyuzuri and giant shrine remains to the spiritual origins of Japan.
Izumo Taisha Shrine: The Heart of the Japanese People at Kamiari-sai Festival
The Kamiari-sai is an annual festival held at Izumo Taisha Shrine, taking place in October according to the lunar calendar. In the year 2023, it’s scheduled from November 22nd to the 29th. The festival is staged to welcome the deities from the nation, and it commences at Inasa-Hama shore, which is situated approximately a 20-minute […]
Meiji Jingu Shrine: An Amazing Green Forest to Commemorate the Virtues of Emperor Meiji
Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in the center of Tokyo to enshrine the spirit of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It has a variety of wild animals, bugs, butterflies, fungi, 234 kinds of trees, 352 kinds of plants, and more than 100 kinds of birds in the forest which is blessed with a breath of […]
The God of War, Kenshin, and the Muromachi shogunate Revival
Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578, 上杉謙信) was a fervent believer in the god of war, Bishamonten (毘沙門天), using one of the letters of '毘' as an emblem on his own flag, and fighting under the banner of 'Bi'. During his lifetime, he lost only twice out of 71 battles, making him a true military god. During the […]
Unveiling the Secrets of Matsunoo Taisha, the Best Sake Brewery Shrine
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine stands as one of Japan’s revered three sake shrines, alongside Omiwa Jinja, and Umemiya Jinja, all venerating the sake deity worshipped by sake brewers. Upon crossing the Romon Gate, you gaze at the Shinyoko on the left, a warehouse for portable shrines. Here, a mesmerizing array of a variety of Komodaru straw […]
Why did So Many Emperors, Court Nobles, and Samurai visit the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine?
In the year 860, the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine was established by an oracle who voiced a fervent wish to stand in proximity to the Imperial palace, safeguarding the nation. Thus, the venerated Hachiman deity was enshrined as a national guardian deity in Kyoto along the head shrine of Hachiman Okami, Usa Jingu Shrine in Kyushu. […]
Heian Jingu Shrine: The Story of the First and Last Emperors of Kyoto
Discover Heian Jingu Shrine and the story of Kyoto’s 1,100-year legacy as Japan’s capital, told through Emperors Kanmu and Komei.